isconsin faces an energy crisis: The newest of its 15 large coal-fired
plants are more than 30 years old and most are between 40 and 70 years
old. The state's most recent energy policy predicts a 6300 megawatt
shortfall—the equivalent of roughly 12 large centralized electrical
generation plants—by 2016, and there is limited existing import
capability and ongoing debate about additional transmission lines to
enhance this capability.

At the same time, Wisconsin's options for new
energy sources are limited: It does not allow new nuclear plant construction
and new transmission lines face stiff resistance. Failing to address
this future energy shortage could be staggering to the state's economy.

"The Future of Nuclear Energy in Wisconsin,"
Oct. 22 and 23, 2003, in Madison, will address these and other issues.
The first-annual event also will introduce a year-long program of outreach
and education activities to engage policymakers with this issue.

Speakers at the event include Bruce Babbitt,
the former Arizona governor and former Clinton-administration secretary
of the interior; and Richard A. Meserve, former chairman
of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.